Ovranette Tablets

What is Ovranette and what is it used for?

Ovranette is an oral contraceptive. When used correctly, it will provide near 100% protection against pregnancy. The two active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. Ovranette is a monophasic combined pill, meaning each pill contains the same dose of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.

Ovranette may reduce acne, and protect against conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. It will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

There are 21 Ovranette pills in a pack. Once you have finished a pack, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

How does Ovranette work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one egg each month – this is the process of ovulation. This process is controlled by the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Ovranette contains two synthetic hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which imitate these two natural hormones. They control the levels of each hormone in such a way that prevents an egg from being released. The Pill also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, by thickening the fluid that is in the cervix.

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) builds up in preparation for a fertilised egg. Ovranette reduces the extent of this buildup, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will develop into an embryo. As a further result, periods become lighter.

Ovranette and weight gain

It is a common misconception that the contraceptive pill will make you gain weight. Studies have shown that there is no significant weight gain associated with any contraceptive pill.

Alternatives to Ovranette

Women can switch between Ovranette, Microgynon, Levest and Rigevidon as they all contain the same active ingredients.

Non-Medicinal Contraception Alternatives

• Female Condoms - Not only do they prevent pregnancy they also prevent STIs. There is currently only one brand available in the UK called Femidom. Shown to be 95% effective.
• Male Condoms - Prevent pregnancy and also prevent STIs. Shown to be 98% effective.

Sources

• Ovranette Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
• https://patient.info/medicine/combined-hormonal-contraceptives#nav-4

Ovranette directions

Ovranette can be prescribed by The Independent Pharmacy and bought by adults over the age of 18 years.

• Ovranette is for oral use only.
• Take 1 tablet, at the same time each day, for 21 days. Take your first tablet, next to the correct day of the week, from the top row of the pack and follow the directions of the arrows printed on the pack.
• After 21 days, have a 7-day pill-free break, where you should expect to have a bleed.
• Start your new pack, after your 7 days pill-free, on the same day of the week that you started your previous pack.

For full details on how to take Ovranette, please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Starting Ovranette

If you have not used any contraceptive with hormones in the previous month:

Start Ovranette on the first day of your period. Starting Ovranette on the first day of your period means you are immediately protected against pregnancy and do not need to use additional barrier contraceptives.

If you start Ovranette any time after day 1 of your period you must use additional barrier contraceptives such as condoms for 7 days.

Switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive pill:

Start Ovranette the day after your last pill from your previous pill packet. Do not have a 7-day pill-free break. If you start Ovranette after your 7-day break you will need to use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

Changing from a progestogen-only pill, injection, implant or a progesterone-releasing IUD:

You may switch to Ovranette, any convenient day, from the progestogen-only pill, from the day of removal of an implant or an IUD and the due date of the injection. In all of these cases, you must use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

After having a baby:

You can start taking Ovranette 21 days after having a baby. If you start taking Ovranette later than day 21 you must use an additional barrier method of contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.

Ovranette missed pill

If you forget to take your daily Ovranette tablet or you are sick or have diarrhoea within 3-4 hours after taking your tablet, take it as soon as you remember or when you feel better, even if this means taking 2 tablets on the same day.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking your Ovranette tablet:

• You will not be protected from getting pregnant and should use additional barrier contraception such as a condom for 7 days.

You are at more risk of becoming pregnant if you miss multiple tablets within one packet or if the missed pill is at the start or the end of your packet. If you think you are at risk of being pregnant while taking Ovranette you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

If you are less than 12 hours late taking your Ovranette tablet:

• You will be protected from getting pregnant. You will not need to use additional contraception.

Ovranette ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Ovranette are: 150 mcg levonorgestrel, 30mcg ethinylestradiol

Ovranette also contains the following inactive ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone 25, magnesium stearate, talc, purified water, sucrose, polyethylene glycol 6000, calcium carbonate, white wax, wax carnauba.

Ovranette side effects

In the same way as other medicines, Ovranette can cause some people to experience side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are usually mild but if you are bothered by them or are concerned you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Most commonly people who take Ovranette report the following side effects:

• Feeling sick
• Abdominal cramps
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain or fluid retention
• Mood changes
• Change in sex drive
• Irregular bleeding
• Increased blood pressure

If you experience an allergic reaction or severe side effects while taking Ovranette you should seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or your nearest emergency department.

For full details on reported side effects associated with taking Ovranette please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Ovranette warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Ovranette is unsuitable for you if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients of Ovranette
• A family history of blood clots
• A blood clotting disorder
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Very high blood pressure
• Ever had cancer of the cervix, breast, vagina or uterus
• Migraines with visual disturbances
• An irregular heartbeat
• A history of liver disease

You may be advised not to take Ovranette if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Circulation problems
• Liver problems
• Gallstones
• Migraines
• Heightened levels of fat in the blood

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking – Ovranette may alter the results of some blood tests.

Ovranette and cancer

Do not use Ovranette if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Ovranette if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

Ovranette may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

Ovranette and blood clots

You may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Ovranette, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Ovranette to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot in advance of the operation. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have had a miscarriage in the past
• Have recently given birth

Ovranette and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Ovranette:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. topiramate, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines
• Tuberculosis medicines (e.g. rifabutin, rifampicin)
• St John’s wort
• Certain antibiotics
• Some sleep disorder medicines

Ovranette may impact the effectiveness of the following medicines:

• Ciclosporin
• Some asthma medicines
• Some epilepsy medicines

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.